Election 2018 Fowler, Webb focus on education funding

MARION - In the race for the Illinois 59th District Senate seat, Republican incumbent Dale Fowler is facing a challenge from Democrat Steve Webb.

Both candidates list education as a top priority.

Webb, of Tunnel Hill, has been an educator for more than 26 years, holding memberships in several education associations. He is currently an adjunct professor in education for SIU, EIU and McKendree.

"I have testified to legislators and other political leaders across the state of Illinois on behalf of our kids and their future, particularly those who live in poverty and rural areas," said Webb.

Webb said he was directly involved with developing the IASA Vision 2020 plan that reformed school funding.

"This new evidence-based funding formula finally makes our neediest schools a priority and stops the draconian cuts that our Illinois schools have endured since 2012," he said.

Fowler said his record also demonstrates his support of education.

"During my first term I was proud to support a budget that increased school funding by $350 million in Illinois, " he said.

Fowler said he will continue to fight for "equitable education funding for school in southern Illinois so our teachers get the resources they need to allow children to thrive."

Fowler said that Illinois must work to head off the teacher shortage in Illinois.

"We can do this by ensuring teachers are paid a decent salary and reducing their tax burden," he said.

"Balancing the budget and increasing education funding was a major accomplishment, and we must continue to increase funding for education in the future."

He also said the issue of lopsided education funding that benefits Chicago-area schools over rural districts still needs to be addressed.

Webb agreed. "There are schools in this state who spend over 200 percent of an 'adequate' funding amount due to their wealthy property values, while schools in southern Illinois are less than 50 percent of adequate funding."

Webb said the formula must be full funded "so no child is worth less than 100 percent."